I'm "sorry" to report that both the weather and beads were spectacular in Tucson. I just got back from 3 full days at the Tucson shows. The weather was fine, sunny and 60's-70's - almost too warm on the opening day of some of the shows - Friday the 28th. I forgot my hat and was worried about sunburn while walking around the outdoor venues.

Of course the trade beads were piled deep at dozens of booths belonging to the African traders, both at the African Village, which is an outdoor bazaar under tents, and at the G&LW Grant Inn (previously called Rodeway Inn) show, which is under a large single tent, as well as inside adjacent motel rooms and a small convention building.

It was good to be a buyer, as the prices were lower than last year. At least one expensive strand was dropped in price by 30% from the time that another forumite asked about it, and the next day when I asked. I subsequently decided to buy it. I have not been collecting Venetians & other trade beads for even 2 years, so I had to take others' word for it that some strands I picked up for $35 had typically been selling for $50-60.

The most incredible part of the Tucson experience is that one can talk nonstop about beads from dawn 'til dusk, and beyond, in full knowledge that no one will be bored and instead be as enthusiastic as you are.

I am not a great photographer, but here are a few pictures from the weekend. The first is a typical table of trade beads at the African Village venue. This is just the corner of one table - most booths had 12-15 tables in their tent space. Everything from fine old Venetian fancies, to brand new "stuff" from China and India, could be found. In the African Village, a large number of the tents were for African art objects, from vary large to very small, with 8-10 vendors of mostly beads. It literally takes hours, though, to pore over even a small amount of the bead inventory. EVen though I did not feel rushed, I had the distinct impression that I was not able to see all the important beads since the tables are piled very deep with the merchandise.

The second picture shows the other main reason to go to Tucson. From left to right, here are John Picard, Bassem Elias, and Ruth Picard, in earnest conversation about beads. There were two ad hoc dinner meetings for bcn forumites and friends, which were very fun. Many beads and bead stories were passed around the table for both nights. And during the day, we also continued many enjoyable discussions out on the sales floor of the Grant Inn show, which contains most of the higher end collectible bead tables, all the way from ancient to modern.